MPH (Masters in Public Health) International Development

Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences

We produce graduates who can apply their expertise to real-world problems.

My course has given me a fantastic opportunity to broaden my horizons beyond my medical background. The international development side has provided the opportunity for travel to both Kenya and Ghana and given me the flexibility to focus on my own interests. The course attracts a strong mix of international students and it’s allowed me to make some great friends from all around the globe.

Katherine Cobb, MPH International Development

About the course

September 2018 start

Course description

This course is taught in conjunction with the School of Health and Related Research

You’ll develop an understanding of the interventions necessary to improve the health of communities in the Global South.

By exploring contemporary theory, policy and practice in public health and international development, you’ll gain the skills to tackle these challenges working in a public health and development role. There’s an emphasis on applying theory to the everyday complexities of health and development.

The course includes a 10-day field class currently in Galapagos, Nepal and Tanzania, which provides hands-on experience of research.

Core modules

Ideas and Practice in International Development

Introduction to Research Methods

Key Issues in Global Public Health

Using Policy to Strengthen Health Systems

Dissertation with Placement

Professional Skills for Development

International Development Field Class

Examples of optional modules

Living with Climate Change in the Global South

Epidemiology

Health Promotion

Informatics for Public Health

Communicable Disease Control

Disaster and Emergency Management

Cities of Diversity

Cities of ‘the South’: planning for informality

Teaching and assessment

There are seminars, lectures, workshops, reading groups. You also do some fieldwork. You’re assessed on coursework assignments, project work and a dissertation.

Course duration

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in one of the following disciplines: social sciences; arts and humanities; biosciences; dentistry; medicine; or public health.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.